LA MARQUE, Texas - The U.S. Army All-American All-American Bowl 2009 Selection Tour honored League City (Texas) Clear Creek cornerback Marcus Davis at Barber's Chapel Baptist Church on Friday evening to accommodate numerous relatives and close friends. It was a meaningful place for Davis as the congregation there has watched him grow up from a young boy.

Pastor James E. Brown welcomed the large crowd in attendance and spoke highly of Davis, who will be graduating in a few weeks and enrolling early at the University of Texas.

"I just want to take my hat off to Marcus Davis Jr., who we affectionately know around here as 'Lil' Marcus'" said Brown. "I have followed his career up to this point with great interest. The Lord has always had his hands on him and I think the message and honor that he is receiving today is a result of his walk with the Lord."

Clear Creek head coach Darrell Warden spoke a bit about his star player and shared a few lines from the poem "The Dash" with the audience.

Davis was then recognized with the presentation of a jersey for the game as the crowd applauded loudly. He then addressed all those in attendance with a few words of gratitude.

"I would like to thank the U.S. Army for supporting high school football and providing us with the opportunity to play in the All-American Bowl," said Davis. "Next I would like to give thanks to my parents and my family who have been there and been my biggest supporters since my flag football years.

"I would like to thank coach Warden and all of my other coaches for all their dedication and hard work. Also, I would like to thank my pastor for many prayers and support and would like to thank my teammates because, without them, I wouldn't be here today. I know that football is an 11-man game."

Davis knows the company that he is in as several college and NFL stars have participated in the game in the past. He said it was an honor to be associated with those players.

"Being an All-American is an honor to me as I look at all the other players who have played in this game before me such as Vince Young, Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow," said Davis. "I'm honored to be among only the top 90 high school players across the country that are invited to participate in the game. But, most of all, I'm honored to be associated with the men and women of the U.S. Army who serve our country every single day."

Davis is joined on the roster by four future Longhorn teammates. He says that they are all excited about playing in the game.

"I've talked to them about playing in the bowl and everybody is just overwhelmed with it," he said. "It's a dream come true. We are all excited to represent the University of Texas out there and hopefully gain a win."

Davis finished his career at Clear Creek High School as a three-year letterwinner in football and two years in track. Despite a disappointing first-round playoff exit a week ago, he is excited to continue his football career in Austin starting in January.

"Every time I talk to the coaches up there, they tell me how they're ready for me to be up there with them and for me to get into workouts with the team," said Davis. "Like they've said, it's anybody's position once you get up there so you've just got to work hard and find your spot. Seeing the true freshmen play, and even start, this year in the secondary has shown me that there is a real chance to contribute very early in my career. I'm excited for that next phase in my life."